Drama teachers instruct individuals and groups in the techniques and principles of acting. Drama students are evaluated and a course of study is then compiled and adapted to meet individual needs and abilities.
Instruction may include diction, enunciation, voice development and accents as well as movement, acting styles and character development. Drama teachers may produce and direct plays for school and public performances and this will include the supervision of make-up, costumes, scenery and lighting.
Drama teachers in schools may also be involved in other activities such as sport and fund-raising. They work in a wide variety of work settings. At schools and colleges, they work indoors in offices, classrooms, auditoriums, studios and other areas where plays are performed. Some drama teachers may have private pupils and teach in their own or their pupils’ homes. Drama educators may specialize as drama coaches.
Satisfying Aspects
- working with people
- seeing improvement in pupils' skills
- the opportunity to direct and produce plays
- good working conditions
Demanding aspects
- irregular hours at times
- the amount of time spent outside the classroom drawing up lesson plans
- the large amount of paper work
- the work involved in producing and directing play
Requirements
A drama teachers should:
- enjoy working with people;
- have a strong interest in drama;
- be creative and open to new ideas;
- be able to communicate clearly in speech and in writing;
- be patient, thorough, honest and responsible;
- have acting and stagecraft experience;
- be emotionally stable and mature;
- have good health and stamina.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Dramatic Arts
Training
Degree: BA (Dramatic Art) - RU, US, UP, UCT, UKZN, UFS, Wits
All South African universities offer training for teachers. As these courses on drama may differ from one institution to another, you should consult the yearbook of the educational institution of your choice.
Diploma: N.Dip: various - DUT, TUT
Employer
- Government departments
- Private school systems
- High schools
- Schools for Art, Ballet and Music
- Self-employment (own studios)
Contact
Schools for Drama, Ballet, Art and Music
Government Education Departments
Universities and universities of technology
Councils for the Performing Arts
Heads of Personnel Services at Radio & TV Broadcasting Stations